Pharmacies that “send drivers out without the right sort of security” could “potentially face legal repercussions”, vehicle management company HH Driveright has warned.
HH Driveright managing director Rebecca Hall told C+D earlier this month (December 1) that the “legal duty of every employer to protect the employee whilst at work” could land pharmacies in trouble including fines or prison sentences.
The company said that medical supplies have “come increasingly under attack by thieves selling on to the black market”.
Thefts expose “courier and delivery driver to real risks, including threat to life”, it said.
Read more: Here’s where pharmacy teams can turn for support when dealing with a crime
The security expert said that the “high-risk situations” have left “some drivers…injured after trying to protect their vehicles and goods from theft”.
It added that “under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974” pharmacies “must ensure they positively foster driver safety”.
The security expert warned that without the right protection “many pharmacies are sleepwalking towards potential legal nightmares”.
Read more: AAH launches WhatsApp channel for 'instant updates’ on delivery delays
Meanwhile, this month (December 4) one wholesaler announced a new WhatsApp group to give customers live service updates such as delivery delays, after facing criticism about its delivery teams last year.
AAH Pharmaceuticals customers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, in October of last year to complain of delayed deliveries and missing items.
One said that the wholesaler had “missed over 50%” of their deliveries in a month.
At the time an AAH spokesperson told C+D that a “national shortage of commercial drivers” and general “staff shortages” were to blame for the issue
